It had been a busy day for Jesus. He was visiting the seaside town of Capernaum, but it was no vacation.

First, He went to the synagogue and taught. While there, Jesus cast an unclean spirit out of a man. From there it was a short walk to the home of one of His disciples, Peter, where Jesus healed the disciple's mother-in-law. Later that day, a huge crowd gathered at the door of the house, and Jesus spent a good portion of the evening healing the sick and driving out demons. Imagine the exhaustion Jesus must have felt as the last person walked away transformed.

Jesus deserved a day off or at least a chance to sleep in. But look at Mark 1:35. "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed."

Jesus knew His ministry would take Him to other towns and thousands more people who needed His healing hand. And to get ready, His top priority was to pray. With a tough day behind Him and more draining experiences ahead, Jesus got away from it all and prayed.

Did you have an incredibly busy day yesterday? Do you face another one today? Take time to get alone with God in prayer. He'll replenish your strength.  — Dave Branon